Hangmans Mistake

Originally Aired: April 9, 1961

Gunsmoke #470, "Hangmans Mistake," Matt Dillon reluctantly releases Ark Bernie from jail after receiving word from Abilene that another man has been arrested for the murder—Ark's own brother, Junius. Despite his certainty that Ark is guilty, Matt has no choice but to let him go. When Ark learns that Junius is being held for a crime Ark knows his brother didn't commit, he rushes back to Dodge to confront the marshal, insisting that Junius was nowhere near the holdup that night. Matt tells him the only way to help his brother is to testify in court, but Ark refuses to walk into any courtroom.

The tension escalates when Matt and Chester prepare to escort Junius to trial in Hayes City. As they transport the prisoner, Ark appears in a cloud of dust, desperate and determined to free his brother before the trial can proceed. When Ark threatens to draw on Matt, the marshal calls his bluff, forcing a dangerous confrontation that will test how far Ark is willing to go to save Junius from paying for a crime he may not have committed.

Welcome to Gunsmoke: Old West Stories, a podcast that takes you back to the rugged plains of 1870s Dodge City, Kansas. Rediscover the timeless tales of bravery, justice, and survival in the American frontier with our re-broadcasts of the classic Gunsmoke radio program.

First airing on April 26, 1952, Gunsmoke was celebrated as the first adult western radio show, renowned for its superb storytelling and exceptional production quality. Join Marshal Matt Dillon, portrayed by the incomparable William Conrad, as he faces the challenges of maintaining law and order in a tumultuous town. Alongside him are unforgettable characters like Chester Proudfoot (Parley Baer), the steadfast deputy; Kitty (Georgia Ellis), the resilient saloon owner; and Doc Adams (Howard McNear), the town’s compassionate physician.

What sets Gunsmoke apart is not just its stellar cast and engaging plots but the immersive sound effects that bring each scene to life. Every gunshot, horse gallop, and whisper of the wind transports you directly to the heart of the Old West.

Whether you're a longtime fan or a new listener, Gunsmoke: Old West Stories promises to deliver gripping adventures and a nostalgic journey through one of radio’s most iconic series. Tune in and let the legends of Dodge City captivate your imagination.